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Sunlight & Jaundice in Babies

Jaundice is caused by a surplus of bilirubin acquired in utero and can cause brain damage if it becomes severe. Sunlight can break up the jaundice in your baby's skin so his body can process it, but sunlight can also damage his skin.

  1. About Jaundice

    • Jaundice, also called hyperbilirubinemia, is common, affecting about 70 percent of all newborn babies; it is even more common in babies born early. It is marked by a yellowing of the skin and eye whites.

    How Is Jaundice Treated?

    • Excess bilirubin that causes jaundice must be broken up in the skin so the baby's body can easily eliminate it. This is generally done using ultraviolet light, either in the hospital with a biliblanket or other light device, or outside the hospital using direct and indirect sunlight.

    Dangers of Sunlight

    • The ultraviolet rays in sunlight that treat jaundice can also cause skin damage, especially in an infant.

    Safe Sunlight Treatment

    • Undress your baby and expose him, front and back, to no more than 10 minutes of direct sunlight followed by 20 minutes of indirect exposure in shade not blocked by windows. If you see any signs of reddening at any point, keep him in the shade; otherwise, continue alternating sun and shade, along with frequent feedings and diaper changes, all day.

    After Treatment

    • A doctor must assess your baby the day after sunlight treatment to see whether her jaundice levels are decreasing. You may still have to treat in the hospital, especially if she has not yet voided all her meconium (tarry newborn stools).

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